Egypt's president meets CIA director in Cairo for talks

Apr. 19, 2015

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's president has held talks with CIA director John Brennan in Cairo that touched on regional conflicts and terrorism.

A government statement Sunday said the meeting between Brennan and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi focused on "ways of enhancing bilateral relations" and regional issues. It said both sides agreed to continue "consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest."

The visit by Brennan was not previously announced.

Egypt remains a key U.S. regional partner, despite tensions following el-Sissi's overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. El-Sissi has been promoting the idea of a pan-Arab military force to intervene in regional conflicts.

Egypt increasingly has been targeted by Islamic militants and its strategic Sinai Peninsula is home to an extremist group that has pledged its loyalty to the Islamic State group.